Fatal fire in Berwick was arson, state fire marshal says

Investigators say the man's car was partially blocking the driveway and the house was barricaded to keep fireifghters out. (Courtesy image)

BERWICK - The Berwick man who died in an early Monday morning fire set his house on fire before he died, according to a press release from the state Fire Marshal's Office.

The victim was identified as Jon Kellar, 55, of 10 River St.

Maine Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said fire investigators determined that Kellar, who lived alone, poured gasoline throughout the house and blocked the doors to prevent access to firefighters.

The house was gutted in the blaze and Kellar's body was found inside.

Firefighters were called to the scene a little after 2 a.m. on Monday, and arrived to find flames coming out of the windows.

The small one-story home at the end of a long driveway was partially blocked by Kellar's car.